Yes, they are growing in popularity because they are fast and durable.
When picturing a gold tooth, two things come immediately to mind for most people: the first is old-fashioned dentistry and the other is hip-hop culture that is aggressive and flashy, to say the least. However, that image is changing. The resurgence that we are witnessing is so exciting that, based on our experience atLema Dental Clinic, it’s hard to believe it is only happening now. People these days do not just want something that lasts but also a piece of jewelry that they can have immediately without suffering discomfort from temporary plastic caps for almost three weeks.
The question has evolved from “Why gold?” to “Is it possible to get my gold crown today?”
The Renaissance of Gold in Modern Dentistry
Gold not only contributes to the “bling sound” of the tooth. It is certainly the most biocompatible material that is at our disposal. In terms of aesthetics, while porcelain and zirconia are still the number one choices when it comes to getting a natural look, gold is the only material that can be the symbol of a successful smile for a very long time.
Professor Doctor Coşkun Yıldız points out that gold, in his opinion, dental materials resemble a “gentle giant”. The fact that ceramics are harder and can therefore do more damage to the opposing natural teeth by grinding them down over time like sandpaper on wood, gold on the other hand has a wear-rate that is very similar to that of natural enamel. This is a perfect relationship.
However, the “waiting game” was one of the main reasons why people did not want to get gold restorations. Gold crowns were made with homemade impression putties and lab work done out of the clinic. This was a two-week waiting period. That’s why the extraordinary technology of Turkey is turning things around.
How “Same-Day” Gold Works?
So basically “Same-Day” is a digital process. The dental team at our clinic in Istanbul, led by Dentist Polen Akkılıç, employs sophisticated CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing) systems.
Let me explain it to you step by step:
- Digital Scanning: No more unpleasant impression combination tray now, we use a high-speed intraoral camera.
- On-Site Milling: Patient comfort in our VIP lounge is a priority. The piece of art we are working on is sent for finishing at a precision milling unit.
- The Hybrid Approach: It is not possible to “mill” a pure gold block in the same way as ceramic; we combine 3D wax printing and rapid casting techniques which enable us to deliver a permanent, high-noble gold restoration in a fraction how long traditional methods take.
Comparing Your Options: Gold vs. Porcelain vs. Zirconia
What you choose is pretty much the major decision when deciding on a home renovation project. You want it to take all the stress and not to get damaged by daily activities.
| Feature | Gold Alloy | Porcelain (E-Max) | Zirconia |
| Durability | Extreme (20+ years) | High (10-15 years) | Very High (15+ years) |
| Aesthetics | Bold / Metallic | Natural / Translucent | Opaque / Tooth-colored |
| Biocompatibility | Excellent | Very Good | Good |
| Opposing Tooth Wear | Minimal (Soft) | Moderate | Low to Moderate |
| Procedure Time | Same-Day (at Lema) | Same-Day | Same-Day |
Why Turkey is the Hub for Dental Luxury
The surge in popularity isn’t just about the material; it’s about accessibility. Patients travel to Turkey because they can receive elite care from specialists like Professor Doctor Coşkun Yıldız at a cost that makes high-noble gold alloys actually affordable.
In many Western countries, the price of the gold alone, combined with high lab fees, makes these restorations a rare luxury. In Istanbul, we combine that luxury with a streamlined, digital process that respects the patient’s time.
The Verdict: A Growing Trend?
But let’s look closer at the “why.” We are seeing a move toward “Personalized Dentistry.” People want their smiles to reflect their personality. For some, that is a perfect, “Hollywood White” zirconia bridge. For others, it’s the timeless, indestructible glint of a gold molar.
The trend is growing because the barriers are falling. You no longer have to choose between a “fast” tooth and a “gold” tooth. You can have both.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered by Our Experts
“Absolutely. We aren’t cutting corners on the metallurgy. We are simply using digital design to skip the weeks of back-and-forth shipping. The structural integrity remains world-class.” — Dentist Polen Akkılıç.
“Initially, you might notice it conducts heat and cold slightly differently than natural teeth, but because we contour it so precisely using digital scans, the ‘bite’ usually feels more natural than almost any other material.” — Professor Doctor Coşkun Yıldız.
We use high-noble alloys, which means they are resistant to oxidation. Think of it like a high-quality wedding ring; with basic oral hygiene, it will maintain its luster for decades.
At Lema Dental Clinic, we focus on permanent, functional restorations. While we can certainly do multiple gold crowns for aesthetic reasons, our priority is always the health and alignment of your bite.
It’s the marriage of craft and cost. You get the highest grade of dental gold and the expertise of our clinical team, all while enjoying the beauty of Istanbul. It’s a premium experience without the prohibitive price tag.
- Anusavice, K. J., Shen, C., & Rawls, H. R. (2012). Phillips’ Science of Dental Materials. Elsevier Health Sciences.
- Beuer, F., Schweiger, J., & Edelhoff, D. (2008). Digital dentistry: an overview of recent developments for CAD/CAM-generated restorations. British Dental Journal, 204(9), 505-511.
- Donovan, T. E., & Cho, G. C. (2001). Materials for conservative posterior restorations. Journal of the California Dental Association, 29(11), 797-801.
- Kelly, J. R., & Nishimura, I. (2014). Science-based guidelines for maximizing outcomes with all-ceramic restorations. The Journal of the American Dental Association, 145(1), 41-46.
- Mormann, W. H. (2006). The evolution of the CEREC system: a 20-year history. The Journal of the American Dental Association, 137, 7S-13S.
